Unique Vintage

2013 W. Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506

(818) 742 – 6210
www.UniqueVintage.com

Their business card reads Retail Store with their own description “fabulous vintage inspired clothing” and they are spot on right. It is not a thrift store with thrift store prices. However, the prices are lower than you’re accustomed to seeing at a retail store. Unique Vintage does carry a few truly vintage items but most are simply inspired by mid 20th century fashion. I loved this store. They carry unique prom, wedding and cocktail dresses. I saw several great handbags. The jewelry was impressive and of course the shoes were great but not in my size. I did purchase some turquoise sunglasses that made me want to rent a convertible and drive up PCH. If you’re ever shopping and in Burbank treat yourself to a quick visit and you may stay a while.

The Yard Sale

2022 W. Magnolia
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 736 - 5002

Store hours 10 – 6pm Closed on Thursdays

The Yard Sale is a clever name but don’t look past some potential hidden meanings. This store is very small but with a keen eye you might find your thing. I found the store to be small. Did I say that? Yes but very interesting items I must say. I did find some great shoes that I am still excited about wearing.

This week I went thrifting up in Altadena at the Boys Republic Thrift Store. The Pasadena Auxiliary of Boys Republic is located at 2261 N. Lake Ave. in Altadena. Although the store is small I managed to find two great vintage ties that will be used by a celebrity designer friend. If she doesn’t like them my husband has claimed the ties. I also found a few vintage jewelry pieces. Shoes will also be enticing for some. The selection was small but stylish. Too bad for me they were the wrong sizes. You will be impressed with the good natured, helpful staff. The Boys Republic is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 3pm and closed on Sundays. The store’s phone number is (626) 798-6141. Enjoy your visit.

ACTS Thrift Store
Giving and Helping

This store is a Christian based organization that supports at risk youth, disadvantaged families and the homeless in the Pasadena area. Obviously you will feel good helping to support the Pasadena communities. Merchandise includes shoes and all types of clothing and lots of them! The selection so vast you will more than likely to find something with your name on it. I have bought children’s shoes and sandals for myself.

Store location:
1382 Locust St.
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 577-4477
ACTSThrift.org

Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 to 8, closed on Sunday

Penny For Your Thoughts
Gifts, Clothing and Coffee Bar

Penny For Your Thoughts is technically not a thrift store but it is definitely worth a visit.
This antique store is a great place to find vintage clothing and gifts for those who appreciate good craftsmanship. I enjoy looking through the jewelry that is created by a local designer assuring uniqueness.

Store location:
1365 N Hill Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 798-1631
penny4thoughts.com

Huntington Collection Resale
Store Location: 766 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, 91105
535-2468
Store Stocking Days
vary depending on the week. Constantly receiving new merchandise
Store Hours
Mon, Tues., Wed. and Fri. 10 - 4pm, Thursday 12 - 6pm and Last Saturday of each month 8 - 1pm
If you love to shop where you know the proceeds will be helping people in need then this is a good place for you. The Huntington Hospital Senior Care Network benefits from the proceeds. I really enjoyed my first visit to the HUntington Collection. If you are in the market for shoes and jewelry this store has it. Designer and vintage selections abound with attractive prices. Do be mindful of the store hours.

Pasadena Antique store
Store location:
35 W Waverley Dr. Pasadena, 1 block west of Fair Oaks Ave.
(626) 795 0274
Store Hours: 10:00- 6pm Mon. -Fri.

This is one of my favorite locations. I am so happy with my most recent purchase. I found two fantastic leather handbags that typically retail for over $500 each at the very surprising price of $10 a piece. That’s right, a $490 savings. This store stocks daily but Tuesdays are the day to shop. Every Tuesday at the Pasadena Antique Store is sales day. Also check out the shoe selection. I believe you will find it to be impressive. Household items also are available.

PCC Flea Market
Sunday, September 4, 2011 
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m
The Pasadena City College Flea Market
1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, 91106
(626)585-7906

You just never know what you will find and take home with you from the PCC flea market. However, I can guarantee you there will be something in your bag when you leave. This flea market is not so big it feels overwhelming but plenty big to find some good buys. A comfortable pleasant environment will be appreciated. I found some great jewelry and affordable clothing including some great pull over sweaters and eye glasses. You will find some unique items that can’t be found elsewhere.

Pasadena Salvation Army
Store Location: 56 W. Del Mar, 2 blocks west of Fair Oaks
577-4649
Store stocks daily
Store hours:
Most people have either been to a Salvation Army location or have donated to one. These stores are worth giving a quick walk through. You would be surprised what you might find. I happen to purchase two stylish, comfortable sweaters for next to nothing.

Flea Market is held at the Rose Bowl every second Sunday of each month. There is nothing in the realm of arts and crafts that cannot be found here. Creative people come from all over to sell their unique items. I have sold merchandise here and done well. I frequent this event 6 times a year at the minimum. You must go once. Bring cash, an empty stomach and comfortable shoes. You may not want to leave. I suggest you go early to beat the big crowds. However, most vendors are more willing to deal in the late afternoon. Vintage clothes, creative clothing items, handmade dresses and jewelry are all over the place. You will enjoy!

The Ritz Resale is just that, a high end consignment store featuring a large selection of stylish clothing and accessories. Some of the merchandise is from designers like Versace, Armani, Prada and Gucci, among many others. The items are all hand selected well cared for and in various sizes. Like any other consignment or second hand store the merchandise is always revolving. New items come in daily making visits very exciting. The Ritz Resale also has an online showroom and frequently has Ebay auctions. This family run business has been going strong since 1980. The Ritz Resale is located at 46 North Mentor Ave in Pasadena and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.

Nearly everyone has heard of the Goodwill. Most people think it is a place for the needy and down and out. That may be true but it is open to all. And all types of folks donate to Goodwill regularly. The filled drop off warehouse is proof. I typically make a visit every couple months when I go through all our drawers gathering items to donate, which is a tax write-off. Almost anything can be found including sunglasses. My favorite section is the shoe section. I seem to lose myself checking out all the footwear. And believe it or not I have purchased jewelry there more than once. Leaving the Goodwill I have always had a feeling that I have done my part to help. Perhaps I have been influenced by marketing but keeping Goodwill going strong helps a lot of people and the community as a whole. Goodwill is located 183 North Altadena Drive and is open Monday - Saturday 9am - 8pm and Sunday 10am - 8pm.

Out of the Closet’s great location at 1726 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena insures that this store is not just my find but many vintage/second hand shoppers know about it. This store is filled with racks and racks of clothing. Leather jackets, jeans, cords, shirts and even pea coats are plentiful. I have purchased items for my husband, myself, Halloween costumes and character themed outfits for special occasions. I can guarantee that you will leave with something. In addition to clothing, you can find kitchenware, glassware, art frames, music, books and sporting goods. Clothing is their speciality but who knows what you might use. Most recent purchase was a dress for $6.50 and great sandals for $3.50. If your ever driving down Colorado Blvd and see the can’t miss store front, stop and give it a walk through. Out of the Closet is open Monday through Saturday 10 - 7 and SUnday 10- 6. They stock everyday.

The Pink Plum Antiques located at 2580 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena is one of my old loves. Ten years ago this little unpretentious store grabbed ahold of me. I have continued to visit the warm helpful staff periodically to look over their diverse collection of jewelry. In fact if you are in need of some great jewelry try this place out first. Priced right and a large selection won’t disappoint. While your there browse through the organized clothing racks and be sure to try on a few vintage hats. I have found some great deals here. This store stocks every couple days and are open 11 to 6 everyday and 12 to 5 on Sunday, closed on Tuesday.

Welcome to my blog Thrift Store Chic. My free days are spent shopping the thrift stores in and around Los Angeles searching for “the find” that satisfies my soul. I am Aishah Chisum, mother of two, wife to one and a fashionista at heart. I feel like I am an artist whether I am designing clothing, knitting hats, painting canvases or shopping. Yes I said it, shopping is an art form, when done right. You might hate waiting behind the coupon cutter at the grocery store but deep down somewhere in the back of your mind you respect it. Well, I am Mrs. Coupon but I don’t cut mine out. My savings is in clothing and finding them at second hand stores. Sure an occasional purchase at H & M, Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, Jay Crew and even Target. However I rarely leave those stores brimming because I have struck gold. That feeling can only be found in the thrift, second hand stores. It is amazing what you can find. I often wonder, “who throw this out and why”? It had to be drugs and for a quick fix. Why else would someone give up on this? I am rescuing these needy garments. They all need homes and backs to warm. They grow up wanting to be a a part of something. And then they are all of a sudden thrown out for a few bucks. With sad looks on their collars they line up across the windows calling me in. So I invite you to take the trip with me as I visit all my favorite places. Who knows what we will find?